ALS Association Urges Senate to Reject Healthcare Bill

Washington, D.C. (June 23, 2017) — Senate Republicans released a Discussion Draft of the legislation, The Better Care Reconciliation Act. It is expected that a vote will be held next week. The ALS Association is still reviewing the legislation and its impact on the ALS Community, however, it is important that our advocates take action now.

Our message continues to be that any health care reform must provide affordable, accessible, adequate, and understandable health insurance; access to care; and patient protections, such as no penalty for pre-existing conditions. These are our health care principles and The ALS Association will continue to fight for these principles on behalf of people living with ALS. Additionally, we have concerns with the process and lack of hearings prior to the vote. While the Discussion Draft was released, there are still negotiations happening and no hearings will be held before it is amended on the floor next week. The ALS Association, along with partner patient organizations, continues to urge the Senate to use a bipartisan approach when making decisions on any legislation that makes changes to our current healthcare system. We ask Republicans and Democrats to work together to craft a bill that ensures better access to healthcare for all – but particularly for those with serious and chronic healthcare conditions such as people living with ALS.

Health care is not a partisan issue. We are asking our advocates to act now.

Actions Requested:

1) We ask everyone to send an email to their Senators using the ALS Advocacy Action Center. You can do so directly at this link.

2) Call your senator and urge them to vote no. Several Senators have been identified as key to determining the outcome of the vote. If you live in a state represented by these key Republican Senators, we ask you to call their offices - and urge them to vote no. This list includes:

Swing Votes – Senators who have expressed concerns about cuts to Medicaid in the Senate’s proposal.

Senator Dean Heller (NV)

Senator Susan Collins (ME)

Senator Lisa Murkowski (AK)

Senator Shelley Moore Capito (WV)

Senator Bill Cassidy (LA)

Senator Jeff Flake (AZ)

Senator Cory Gardner (CO)

Senator Rob Portman (OH)

Conservatives - Senators who have expressed concerns that the Senate proposal does not go far enough in repealing and replacing.

Senator Ted Cruz (TX)

Senator Rand Paul (KY)

Senator Mike Lee (UT)

Senator Ben Sasse (NE)

3) Be active in your network. Share this information on social media and encourage others to join us in advocating for our community.

The Senate is expected to vote before recessing for the July 4th recess. Please act now.

About The ALS Association
The ALS Association is the only national non-profit organization fighting Lou Gehrig’s Disease on every front. By leading the way in global research, providing assistance for people with ALS through a nationwide network of chapters, coordinating multidisciplinary care through certified clinical care centers, and fostering government partnerships, The Association builds hope and enhances quality of life while aggressively searching for new treatments and a cure. For more information about The ALS Association, visit our website at www.alsa.org.